Author Saturday Spotlight: EM Denning #Interview #Giveaway

Another beautiful day with another beautiful author. EM Denning has written some fabulous stories and we are so thrilled to have her here to talk about them. If you have had the pleasure of reading her work you'll love the interview and maybe spot a book you may have missed. If she's new to you than you're in for a treat. There's a giveaway at the bottom so be sure to enter!

A Disillusioned Dom
A Devastated Sub

When Craig walks into the first kink club he’s been in for months, the last thing he expects to see is his former Dom, Tim, wearing a collar. If learning his ex is a switch isn’t shocking enough, Craig quickly finds himself on the wrong side of his ex's Dom. When the reunion turns ugly, another Dom swoops in and saves the day, and Craig is too shaken to argue when the sweet Dom steps in and takes care of him.

Alan noticed the boy the minute he walked into his club. It was hard not to. He was beautiful, sad, and fully clothed. Once the boy is in Alan’s arms he knows he doesn’t want to let him go, maybe ever. He worries that even though his hardcore Dom days are behind him, his experience will scare Craig and he’ll lose the chance to have something real with him.

Their relationship quickly heats up, but Craig can’t stop wondering if an inexperienced sub will be enough for a seasoned Dom in the long run.
Purchase on Amazon

Matt Simpson is notorious for his bad decisions. From his rocky teenage years to his tumultuous early twenties, he's made a lot of mistakes. His latest, greatest, and perhaps stupidest of them all was his recent pursuit of his boss, the unattainable Steve Paulson. Desperate to make the man notice him, and knowing Steve would never get involved with an employee, Matt quits his job.

Unfortunately, Steve still won’t touch him. To make matters worse, his new job falls through and his older brother won’t hire him. Matt can’t bear to ask Steve for help, and soon he finds himself out of money and out of options. When Steve finds him living in his car and demands that he go home with him, Matt obeys, but living with the man he's wanted for two years proves to be frustrating as well as explosively hot. As Matt begins to explore his submissive side under Steve's firm guidance, his insecurities haunt him. What does a homeless, jobless kid with a string of failures behind him have to offer, even if Steve did want him for more than a brief fling?
Purchase on Amazon

Everett Butcher is a successful vlogger with a secret. By day, he’s The Crock Cock, the internet’s hottest, gayest, and most naked chef. By night, he’s ConcealedandCuffed, a secret submissive who bends to the random whims that hit his inbox. To protect his identity and his career, Everett is careful to never show his face and to never play with the same guy twice. But Everett is tired of online submission. It only reminds him he has no one. When Puck1730 messages him, his world flips upside down.

Xavier Jeffries knows he’s playing a dangerous game, but when he discovered his big brother’s best friend’s secret submissive blog, his inner Dom reared his head and he knew he had to have him. He’s been in love with Everett for years and he feels like it’s now or never. But will Everett forgive him for the dubious way he initiated a relationship?

As the big, in person, reveal looms on the horizon, both men are on edge. Will their online playtime translate into real life chemistry and will Everett forgive Xavier when he discovers it was him the whole time?
Purchase on Amazon

Kyle Stafford has a crush.

He’s his own boss and answers to no one…except his sister, who he’s hired to help out with his highly successful food truck business. But he’s drowning in paperwork he doesn’t understand, and while he should be focusing on that, all he can think about is the attractive man who just moved into his building. When Kyle finally gets an opportunity to introduce himself, he fails miserably and is rebuffed in a spectacular fashion. But Kyle is persistent and won't be so easily dissuaded.

Kyle struggles to find an in with his hot neighbor, until one night, thanks to a package with a familiar return address, Kyle discovers that they have a lot in common than he thought...

Alex Holloway is starting over.

When most twenty-one-year-olds were club hopping and graduating from college, Alex Holloway was filing for divorce and dropping out. Freshly relocated to a new city, his ego is bruised and his emotions damaged, but Alex is determined to be happy. To be himself. His best friend urges him to go out and meet someone, anyone… anyone except the neighbor who comes on too strong, steals Alex's mail and bakes him cookies.
Kyle is everything Alex has ever wanted. Strong, smart, capable, caring, and kinky as hell. But is a mutual appreciation for silk and lace worth another heartbreak?
Purchase on Amazon

Interview

Thank you so much for agreeing to be tied and interrogated. It’s always better when they come on their own accord. I’m going to talk with you, learn things and stuff. Hopefully, painlessly.

Let’s talk how writing in M/M came to be. I know you’ve written HET books will you flip flop between the lines or have you found a steady home in M/M?

I don’t like to say that I’ll never go back to writing MF stories, but I have an entire notebook full of MM plot bunnies, so it’s safe to say that I’ll be sticking with MM for the foreseeable future.

You have coauthored and written alone, obviously. Writing by yourself you’re only at your own mercy. How is coauthoring different and what makes it work?

I really don’t think I could coauthor with just anyone, but working with Kate was amazing. She’s a machine, she really is, and she keeps me on track and motivated even when we’re not co-writing. But when we’re co-writing, it’s honestly a lot of fun. We both think in such a similar way, that there was really no conflict between us. Coauthoring is a lot of fun. It’s a lot less lonely than writing solo.

Do you have a playlist for each of your books or do you prefer to write in silence?

I find playlists distracting, but like writing to music. I tend to pick a song and stick to it for hours on repeat. What He Needs was written while listening to Paralyzer by Finger Eleven. What He Craves was written while listening to Flesh, by Simon Curtis. What He Hides actually had three songs, Soul 4 Sale by Simon Curtis, Blue Jeans by Lana Del Rey and Supercut by Lorde. Book four took so long to write that it ended up having a playlist by the end, but I’d still only listen to one song at a time, on repeat...for hours. lol

I love the cover model for What He Hides, your newest release. Covers are, in my opinion, vital to a book. Who have you worked with and how do you get your vision across to them?

OMG thank you. <3 My cover artist Dana Leah from Designs by Dana is a SAINT and a miracle worker. And the cover for Hides is my favorite. It’s so totally Everett. I really lucked out. Dana is patient and willing to make a zillion tiny adjustments until I’m happy.

Samantha Santana did the cover for Irreplaceable and she really knocked it out of the park. An old friend of mine is actually the cover model and we were absolutely thrilled with his photos (you can find some NSFW shots from the shoot on his instagram @therealkyletrudeau ) and we were amazed with the final product.

Of all the characters you’ve written. Which would you say you’re most like and why?

Oh gosh. This is really hard. hahaha. Um. I’m probably a little like Xavier and Everett. A bit silly and fun-loving, but super sweet and not exactly innocent. hahaha

Can you tell us what you’re currently working on and/or future projects?

I’m currently editing book four, What He Fears, which will be the story of Andrew, Nick, and Rory. I’m writing book five, which is the final book in the series, and I’m planning a spin-off because people begged to know what happened to Tim, from book one. After that...I have a few ideas, but they’re just baby bunnies right now.

Are you attending any conferences or signings this year?

Unfortunately no. Living in the great white north has certain disadvantages, like the cost to leave the great white north. However, I’m ordering some special swag and Kate will be at GRL this year with it. <3

How can fans follow your work, Facebook, website, Twitter, etc…?

The best way to stalk me is in my group on Facebook, Denning’s Darlings. You can also friend me (I don’t bite...often) I have a Twitter and an Instagram, but I don’t often remember they exist. LOL

FAST FIRE QUESTIONS

Favorite season? Autumn

Lefty or righty? Righty

Favorite color? Green

Day or night? Day

Best comfort food? Oh….um. Homemade macaroni and cheese. Or spaghetti. Or lasagna.

Ebook or audiobook? Ebook.

Thank you so much for hanging out with us!

Thank you for having me! <3

Giveaway

Enter to win a $10.00 Amazon gift card

Contest will end on April 6th

Thank you

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Flashback Friday: Son of Money by Brandon Witt #Review #Giveaway

Author: Brandon Witt
Title: Son of Money
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Anne  Cain
Publication date: July 11, 2016
Length: 284 pages

Reviewed by Racheal

Synopsis

Randall Morgan, youngest son of one of Seattle’s wealthiest families, rejected his family’s money to live free of their control and pursue his career as a photographer. To make ends meet, Randall does erotic photography and massage—a secret he keeps from his family so he can remain a part of his young niece’s life. But the price of that relationship is high, and Randall is once more slipping under his family’s thumb.

Noah Carroll is the spokesperson for the Seattle Humane Society, and the city holds a special place in his heart. When fate intervenes during a pet adoption, Noah finds himself face-to-face with his first love—Randall.

While Noah and Randall are not the teenagers they once were, the flame of a first kiss long ago draws them together. Their romance is beginning to grow, but someone is out to destroy Randall and expose all he keeps hidden.

When secrets and rumors thrust Randall into the public eye, his relationship with Noah isn’t the only thing that comes under threat.

Buy Links

Dreamspinner Press

Amazon

Review

I absolutely love Brandon Witt's books! Just when I thought he couldn't make me fall in love with another one of his fabulous books he went and outdid himself again. He made me laugh and fall in love with an ugly dog with vampire teeth and big eyes! Showing me that even the ugliest dogs are beautiful and amazingly funny!

Randall Morgan was a man that came from money and showed that he would rather have an ugly dog, a bathroom with hideous yellow linoleum tiling, a tilted window, and an absolutely beautiful man with his man bun, beard and hairy chest instead of all the money that he was born into! Someone that definitely would never fit into his uptight high society family!

Noah Carroll being a son of missionary moved around a lot and after a one time kiss with Randall when they were only 13 years old; he is back and willing to do whatever it takes to be with the only man that he has ever loved. But whoever said getting the love of your life could be easy?

This is an amazing story filled with, loss, love, fear, regret, and coming together and did I mention a few laughs in between all the craziest? A definite must read!

Giveaway

Enter the Flashback Friday giveaway!

Ends soon!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Random Review: Forgiveness by Grace. R. Duncan #Review #Giveaway

Author: Grace R. Duncan
Title: Forgiveness
Series: Forbes Mates #4
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Reese Dante
Publication date: March 27, 2018
Length: 224 pages

Reviewed by Truus

Synopsis

Ben's love can help Eric find the forgiveness he needs... if Eric can accept it. 

Nine years ago Eric Joyce went wolf when his chosen mate broke the bond, and he hasn’t walked on two legs since. Convinced he lost his friends when he ran out on them, he cut himself off from the pack. But a surprising visitor prods him back down the mountain, and he finds himself welcomed warmly.

Ben Arellano grew up in Texas with a human Catholic mother who didn’t understand a thing about wolves—and didn’t try to learn. He spent his whole life being told his wolf was a demon that needed to be exorcised, surrounded by a wolf pack made up of good ole boys who had no tolerance for his Mexican ancestry or his bisexuality. When he’s given the opportunity to relocate to an accepting pack in Pittsburgh, he jumps at the chance.

When Eric and Ben meet for the first time, neither is ready for it. Where Ben expects rejection, Eric is convinced yet another mate will leave, break the bond, and put him through the same hell all over again. Can they get past their reservations and have a happily mated life?

Buy Links

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

Review

From the first line.. I was sold. It felt so kind and sweet.

My heart cries when I read about a lost one...Eric is a lost one... lonely... deliberately because 

he disappeared nine years ago as a wolf and hasn't shifted back to human until now.

Heading back home to Pittsburgh to his best friend Tanner, now alpha of the pack, Eric has to learn again to be human.

Ben deeply hurt by his own mother who refuses to acknowledge the wolf in him and his bisexuality, causes him to flee to another pack in Pittsburgh hoping they will accept him.

When Ben and Eric meet, they know... only both are not ready at all.

It's always impressive to see how mates or pack members are so in tuned. How they feel, smell, and hear each other. And for mates how, they naturally fit together. 

Eric struggles heavily with the hurt caused by an earlier relationship. He doesn’t think he can ever trust again. At some point I couldn't hear the name of that person anymore it was a bit too much. Ben struggles throughout with the deep-rooted feeling he will never be good enough. 

They have to work hard to get strong and stay strong, but they get help from the most beautiful creature.

The journey shows us how deeply hurt wolves try to find a way to each other.

It was a slow burn. Both men had sweet personalities even at the moments when I had trouble accepting some boundaries. All the friends who surrounded them were well written. We get a deeper look into their different interrelationships. 

The story is written in a sweet, considerate, positive, and emotional way, with a lot of love exposed.

I love stories with wolf pack. They have an unconditional bond I wish people had.

Giveaway

Enter the monthly review giveaway

Ends Soon!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Random Review: Invitation to the Blues by Roan Parrish #Review #Giveaway

Author: Roan Parrish
Title: Invitation to the Blues
Series: Small Change #2
Publisher: Monster Press
Publication date: March 28, 2018
Length: 316 pages

Reviewed by Erin


Synopsis

Eight months ago Jude Lucen fled his partner, his career, and a hospital in Boston after a suicide attempt. Now back in Philadelphia, he feels like a complete failure. Piano has always been his passion and his only escape. Without it, he has nothing. Well, nothing except a pathetic crush on the most gorgeous man he’s ever seen.

Faron Locklear came to Philly looking for a fresh start and has thrown himself into tattooing at Small Change. He’s only met Jude a few times, but something about the red-haired man with the haunted eyes calls to him. Faron is blown away by Jude’s talent. What he isn’t expecting is the electricity he feels the first time they kiss—and the way Jude’s needs in bed speak directly to his own deepest desires.

Jude and Faron fall fast and hard, but Jude has spent a lifetime learning that he can’t be what the people he loves need. So when the opportunity arises to renew his career in Boston, he thinks he has to choose: music, or Faron? Only by taking a huge risk—and finally believing he’s worthy of love just as he is—can he have the chance for both.


The Small Change series is set in the Middle of Somewhere universe and features crossover characters from that series. Each book can be read on its own.

Content warning: This book contains explicit discussion of depression, anxiety, attempted suicide, and feelings of worthlessness.

Buy Links

Amazon

Kobo

Review

Roan Parrish is one of my favorite authors. Full stop, no lie, no matter what she writes, I will read it and love it. I know before even starting a book--or reading the blurb for that matter--that the story will be full of well developed, multi-layered characters, the writing will be evocative and flow effortlessly, and I'll cry, be it from happiness or despair, but she will make me feel ALL THE THINGS. She's a master at her craft, weaving words and emotions like few others can do, so I knew when I found out that Jude would be getting his own book, that I'd need a tissue. Or two. Or probably an entire box. Invitation to the Blues is the second book in Roan's Small Change series, but it can be read as a standalone. (Caveat--read the first one, Small Change, because you do not want to miss the fabulousness that is Christopher and Ginger!) 

From Small Change we learned a bit about Jude, but in Invitation to the Blues, we really get to know this wonderfully complex and somewhat broken man. Jude Lucen is a character you can't help but love. His anxiety, guilt, and issues are great, sure, but he's so exceptionally vulnerable he makes you want to wrap him in the warmest blanket and hold him close. He's suffered from severe depression for most of his life and Parrish's deft, poignant, and often visceral handling of Jude's reality is done masterfully. She never lets Jude come across like a victim, even if there are times and days Jude getting out of bed seems impossible. Jude's got such strength and there is a light inside of him just waiting to be let out. And it's Faron who helps in this where no one else has been able to. 

Faron Locklear's first appearance in Small Change had me intrigued. He's this ethereal, enigmatic, intense man who at first glance might not seem like a good match for Jude when the opposite is true. Faron SEES Jude, imperfections and all, and appreciates all of him. He's patient and kind and so very sexy. Jude's outside appearance--his bright red hair, pale skin, and freckles--calls to Faron's artistic sensibilities, but it's Jude's heart Faron is most interested in. These two together are something special. Their open and honest, painfully so at times, and so vulnerable it almost hurts to witness. But that's what makes them so strong, and so right for one another. I could literally quote almost every line of Invitation to the Blues to show you just how beautiful this book and these characters are. I have highlights on most every page. That's what makes this book and Roan's writing so special. 

Invitation to the Blues is about a lot of things. It's about Jude's love of music and how it feeds his soul, even when everything seems darkest. It's about Faron's art and how it fuels his view of the world. It's about letting go of guilt and fear and believing in hope. It's about family. Both Jude and Faron have family issues they have to deal with and I appreciated the way both were written. Jude has a terrible amount of guilt and shame for the things he's put his parents, and his brother, Christopher, through, and it's not until Faron helps him deal with this that Jude allows himself to be happy. Faron's issues are different, but no less difficult to come to terms with and the honesty and openness Jude and Faron talk to and help one another is incredible.And then Jude and Faron together are so beautiful. *sigh* Don't miss this truly fantastic book, y'all. Be ready to love Jude and Faron as much as I do! 

Giveaway

Enter the monthly review giveaway

Ends Soon!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Day Review: A Wish Upon the Stars by TJ Klune #Review #Giveaway

Author: TJ Klune
Title: A Wish Upon the Stars
Series: Tales from Verania #4
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Paul Richmond
Publication date: March 26, 2018
Length: 450 pages

Reviewed by Erin


Synopsis

Nearly a year ago, blinded by grief and betrayal, Sam of Wilds made a desperate decision to follow the Great White into the Dark Woods. Now, he emerges to a world changed.

The City of Lockes is a prison. The King has been locked away in the dungeons. The Kingdom of Verania has fallen, and the Dark wizard Myrin sits on the throne.

But soon after his return, Sam learns of a resistance fighting in his name led by a courageous knight, a defiant prince, a pissed-off unicorn, and a half-giant who wants to smash everything in sight. If he has any hope of defeating the villains who have taken their home, Sam must face the consequences of his choices—and the friends he left behind. 

Buy Links

Dreamspinner Press

Amazon

Review

Saying goodbye to a beloved series is never easy, but there are some that are harder to let go of than others. TJ Klune's magical, hilarious, sometimes ridiculous but always full of heart Tales of Verania (or as TJ likes to call it the Destiny Fuck, Yeah! trilogy) series is like that for me. I'm so SO very sad to reach the end of Sam of Wilds' journey, but alas, as the saying goes, all things must come to an end. Or, um, kind of. You'll see what I mean by that in a bit, but suffice it to say  A Wish Upon the Stars, the final book in the saga, is every bit worthy of sending our hero and his beloved sidekicks off to their HEA. And then some. This has been a tale of friendship and loyalty. Of family--the kind you're born into and the kind you make. Of magic and bravery. Of love and sacrifice. So, so much love, and SO MUCH sacrifice. It's made me laugh and cry and rage and hold my breath. And it's made me believe that sometimes wishes DO come true, even if they're not always in the exact way you'd expect. 

This will be spoiler-free review so it will be vague. If by some strange chance you haven't read the first 3 books in the series, what have you done with your life? Seriously stop right now and do that before you do anything else because really, this review, or what will amount to be a love letter to one of the best series ever, is not for you. It's really not even for anyone who has read the first three because let's be honest, if you've come this far, you've been dying along with the rest of us for the last book to see what will happen next. You don't really need me, or anyone else for that matter, to tell you that the Same we've come to know and love (and want to shake at times) is not the same Sam in A Wish Upon the Stars. Oh, sure, he's cocky and adorable and brave beyond belief and selfish and vulnerable, but he's much more, too. After all, he's just spent the last year in the Dark Woods with The Great White, or GW (and man, I LOVE that Sam calls him this so much) and the other dragons of Verania. He has a destiny to fulfil, he's left the love of his life, his family and friends, and his home to do what has to be done.

I have done everything you've asked of me. And I haven't asked for much in return. I'm not the same person I once was. I know that. But please, let them see me for who I am. Let them love me just the same. I wish for that more than anything. They don't have to forgive me for everything, not right away, but please. Just let them see me for who I am. I'm Sam. I'm Sam. I'm Sam. 

Was it the right thing? Well, you're just going to have to read A Wish Upon the Stars to find out. 

I'm not going to say a thing about the plot or what happens or if all the questions we've all had over the past three books get answered. TJ has mentioned much more eloquently than I ever could that things will happen you don't expect, so do yourselves a favor and let all of your pre-conceived thoughts and guesses go and just read. Let TJ take you back to Verania where there are knights who are dashing and immaculate. Where a king is a KILF and the prince is Sam's best friend 5eva. Where a hornless gay unicorn and a half-giant are so ridiculous and zany that you laugh until you cry. Where a dragon can be sexually aggressive (and kind of disgustingly so if I'm honest) one moment and the next, he'll bring tears to your eyes as he speaks from his eight hearts and you know he just wants a home and a family. Where there are wizards who make mistakes but do so only with the best of intentions and pay dearly for their mistakes. Where a mom and a dad look at their son as if the sun rises and sets with him and their love shines through. Where a boy from the slums has the weight of the world on his shoulders, where a destiny he never asked for or wanted is thrust upon him and he bravely-even if he kicks and screams while he does it-faces it. 

A Wish Upon the Stars is every single thing you hope and want it to be, and probably some stuff you don't. TJ Klune is a master story teller, of that there can be no doubt, and he has given us a series that will stand the test of time. It might be a fantasy, but at its core it is an epic love story with heroes and villains, with magic and the fantastic. With dark and light and death and hope. With family and friends and ridiculousness and so much sass. There's growth and pain and suffering and sacrifice. And there's love. The love of a country. The love of a king. The love of a boy and his parents. Of three friends that would do anything for one another. Of an apprentice and his mentor. Of a wizard and his cornerstone. Of Sam and Ryan. 

"But when I wished on the stars to do something important, to be someone who matters, I didn't mean all this. This...destiny. I think I meant you. Because you're my something important. You help me be that someone who matters." I looked away. "You're my wish, you know? I think you always have been." 

So, thank you, TJ, for gifting us with these stories that have made us laugh and cry and everything in between. I know I'll never be the same for having read them. 

Oh, and that mention above about not the end ... yeah, I'll be over here anxiously awaiting Justin's story. I have no doubt it will be worth the wait. 

Giveaway

Enter the monthly review giveaway

Contest ends March 31st

thanks

a Rafflecopter giveaway